Crime remains a prominent issue in twenty-first century South Africa. Once you realise however that the greatest proportion of violent crime takes place in the poorest areas - predominantly townships - and in Johannesburg, where violence is the worst in the country, the scale becomes less terrifying. It is important to be careful, but not paranoid, as most visitors tour the country without incident. Internationally, the country's reputation as a crime capital stretches far and wide. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) however, crime in South Africa is on a downward trend. The chances of being mugged can be significantly minimised by not wearing jewellery, expensive watches or designer sun glasses. Carry your hand bag on your front and try not to keep your wallet in your pocket, but rather in a small waist pack. Also remember not to carry a camera or video openly visible in cities.